December 2016 Chirps and Squawks

Highlights from November 2016 Board Meeting

Heard a request from Jim Rogers, President of Mission Mountain Audubon for a letter of support for the proposed legislation to transfer the National Bison Range to the Tribes and a presentation by Bryon Upton from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes describing the history leading up to the proposal and what is contained in the proposed legislation. Approved writing a letter of support.

Heard request from Flathead Land Trust asking for donation to support the West Valley Wetland Conservation Project. Approved a commitment of $10,000.

Approved adding Gael Bissell to WFCU account and Bruce Tannehill to all accounts.

Heard that FAS insurance cost went down slightly.

Heard that the programs for the rest of the winter and spring are set.

Heard Hawk Watch report that bad weather precluded many days of observation especially in October but still observed over 2600 migrating raptors.
Selected 3 people to receive the Conservation Achievement Award.

Heard Owen Sowerwine Committee report that talks have stalled between MTFWP and DNRC concerning land trades or purchase of OSNA. Janet Ellis with MT Audubon will be contacting key people in Helena to see if there is a way to progress.

FAS Board Supports Bison Range Transfer

At the November 7th Board of Directors Meeting, Jim Rodgers, President of the Mission Mountain Audubon Chapter, requested that FAS support the proposed transfer of the National Bison Range from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Their chapter is supporting the proposed transfer and would like the support of other Audubon Chapters. Bryan Upton, an attorney for the Tribes then gave a presentation describing the history of the bison range, the bison that populated it, the Tribes relationship to the ground, the history of previous bison range management, and the proposed legislation that would transfer the bison range to the Tribes. He then answered questions from the board. Later in the Board meeting after further discussion among Board members, it was voted to prepare a letter of support for the transfer. By Lewis Young, Conservation Chair

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Our Bird of the Month

by Lisa Bate Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) are one of the smaller owls found in Montana. Larger than a Northern Pygmy Owl, but smaller than a Barred Owl, they range in length from 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 cm). Their wingspan ranges from 22 to 24 in (55 to 62 cm). They only…